The counting will continue in the Syracuse mayoral race but the numbers aren't adding up for Republican mayoral challenger Janet Burman's campaign. Although, they are claiming a small victory.

"Some people give me as a 'Donna Quixote,'" said Burman, after casting her ballot in the Eastwood community at 6:00 a.m. sharp.

November 2 started bright and early for Burman with a burst of energy and optimism. The outlook for a red winner in a blue city seat, a little less so.

"It's obviously very intimidating to be enrolled in the Republican Party in a vastly democratic city," she said.

But persistence, like the months before Election Day, were still key, with November 2 acting as her last round of calls to reach out to the community.

Hundreds of last minute phone calls were made to ask if those who had come out for the 2020 election with federal implications would be returning for the local races, and whether the voices on the other end of the lone were planning to vote Burman, red or not...

"It's very important that people have a sense of empowerment by my casting their vote," said Burman.

One of her biggest goals, aside from a possible victory and term as the mayor of the Salt City, was getting voters back involved outside of federal elections.

"As a party, we haven't been that engaged in the elections in the city. Many elections over the last, you know, 10 years, we haven't had a feel for the candidates for and we feel really good about about generating enthusiasm and recruiting a great bunch of people that are running with me," Burman added. "So I'm proud to be part of this team."

When the polls closed at 9 p.m., the counting began, eventually leading to the re-election of independent incumbent, Ben Walsh.

Nevertheless, Burman says she's proud of her campaign's performance and the historic turnout for the entire mayoral election.